Hope Diamond

Louis XVI

In 1774, at the age of 20, Louis XVI (1754-1793) inherited the throne and a government entrenched in debt after the death of his grandfather, King Louis XV. Louis XVI was unable to bring about the social, economic, and political changes necessary to solve the problems of the country and preserve the French monarchy. Louis XVI was married to Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), a queen infamous for her frivolous spending habits during a time of economic struggle. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attempted to flee the country during the French Revolution in 1791. They were recaptured and were executed in 1793 for committing treason against the new government of France.